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Press release

All eyes were on Nigel Fine, Chief Executive of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), as he delivered a lesson at Park Hall Academy in Birmingham on Thursday 22 March. The lesson was organised by Teach First and centred on ‘what engineering means’ and ‘what engineers do’.

Nigel Fine said “I am delighted to be involved in Teach First Week. Since becoming a Gold Supporter of Teach First in 2008, the IET has been actively involved in supporting this valuable charity. Our Education team provides resources, knowledge and opportunities for both the organisation and its participant teachers.”

Over the one hour lesson Nigel involved the pupils with practical group activities designed to engage their understanding of engineering and technology. Park Hall Academy in Castle Bromwich is used to working with business and industry to enhance the relevance of the curriculum which includes ICT, Science, Technology and Mathematics.

Academy Principal, Mr Tony Morrison, said: "The development of technology and engineering has never been more important in the continued growth and development of the region and the country. We were delighted that Nigel could work with the staff and students of Park Hall Academy to develop cutting edge practice in this crucial field. We are hugely excited about the opportunity to further extend our links with industry to help prepare our youngsters for the challenges of a rapidly changing world."

Teach First is an organisation that aims to tackle educational disadvantage. Founded in 2002 the charity works in partnership with schools and other organisations to break the link between poor educational attainment and low socio-economic background. James Westhead, Director of External Relations, said: “We were delighted that Nigel Fine could teach a lesson at Park Hall Academy, especially as he could use his expertise to inspire pupils to follow a career in engineering. Teach First has partnered the IET since 2008 and their support has been crucial in helping us move closer towards breaking the link between socio-economic background and poor educational attainment.”

Nigel’s lesson follows his recent visit to Uxbridge High School on 22 February when he joined HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in celebrating the school’s ten-year partnership with Teach First. Both Nigel and Their Royal Highnesses were invited to watch a performance of the opening scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by pupils at the school.